With Mother’s Day in the U.S. falling on Sunday, May 14 this year, we’ve rounded up a list of travel-related Mother’s Day gifts at a variety of price points that’ll arrive just in time to surprise Mom. She deserves it!
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES
For the Mom who loves glamping or gets chilly (and sleepy) on long plane or car rides, Coalatree Kachula Blanket ($52) is a versatile blanket made from recycled fabric and durable, ripstop nylon that will resist snags and rips. It’s sized for two, or you can snap multiple blankets together to include the whole family or pets. The best part: It includes a secret pocket that stuffs into itself and transforms the blanket into a travel pillow. It’s water- and stain-resistant and even turns into a poncho if rain is in the forecast.
If Mom likes to hit the beach, pool or spa, this cute Wander Wet Bag™ from Wander & Perch ($44) will keep a wet bathing suit, washcloth, and more separate from the rest of her luggage on the trip home. Bonus: It’s far more stylish than a plastic bag.
Equal parts functional and high style, Alicia Adams Alpaca Portofino Wrap ($145) is a great way to layer and look fashionable in the process. It’s airy, light, and folds away easily (or ties onto your bag), so it’s easy to travel with. It’s made by a family-run business that utilizes alpaca wool—one of the most luxurious materials because of the natural fibers that are warm, water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and silky soft—for the design and production of textiles and clothing.
The NOMATIC Navigator Collapsible Tote 28L ($69.99) takes up minimal space when not in use, but gives you the most space possible when you need it. On the inside, it has pockets to organize your belongings and a dedicated water bottle pocket; on the outside, it’s made of durable, water-resistant material. The luggage pass-thru strap works seamlessly with roller luggage, or you can fold it up into the zippered case and hook it to any bag with the attachment loop.
STATEMENT GLASSES
Inspired by the bright tonal palettes of mid-century glassware and vintage jewelry, Kirk & Kirk’s eyewear is crafted from recyclable Italian acrylic and produced in France. The London-based husband-and-wife team behind the brand is intent on brightening our lives one frame at a time. The featherlight designs come in a sculptural array of kaleidoscopic colors that will make a strong statement. Robert Downey Jr., Leon Bridges, Sharon Horgan, and Pedro Pascal are fans. Frames start at $500.
LUX LOUNGEWEAR
For lounging around the house or hotel or adding comfort on a long journey, California-based Heidi Merrick’s PJ-inspired cami ($185) and pants ($255) are a luxe gift for Mom made with 100 percent silk. They’re chic enough to wear under a jacket for a night on the town. Also, check out the popular SRF collection for cool casual wear, such as hoodies and hats.
ROSES THAT LAST
Rose Box NYC specializes in creating long-lasting arrangements with preserved roses ($89). Available nationwide in a range of shapes, colors and sizes, the service allows you to curate a special arrangement for Mom with fragrant, zero-maintenance blooms that will last all year.
WORLD CUISINE
This year, skip the restaurant reservations and get some quality family time with eat2explore, an award-winning experimental cooking kit designed to help you explore world cuisines in your home kitchen. Choose your next culinary adventure with Mom and take your tastebuds on a global journey. Also, eat2explore has subscription packages—single, bundles, baking kits and specialty boxes—that fit every food restriction and lifestyle. Starting at $25.95 per box.
COMFORT FOOD
If Mom is a vegan but loves a good comfort-food meal, GrownAs* Foods offers a tongue-in-cheek, vegan boxed mac and cheese made with recognizable ingredients, like potato and smoked paprika, and 25 grams of plant-based protein. It comes in two flavors, Classic and Truffle, but they also have a vegan cheese powder that can be used to make vegan nachos or a variety of sauces. And be sure to add a bottle of the Truffle Hound hot sauce for an extra zing. $28 for a bundle.
TEXTILES THAT GIVE BACK
The owners of Kei & Molly make colorful, hand-printed textiles and flour sack dish towels from Albuquerque, New Mexico ($14.99) with a mission that supports a diverse staff of artisans, immigrants and refugees. The 100% cotton fabrics can be shipped nationwide, and the brand also has a curated collection for Mother’s Day 2023.
LIBATIONS
BODY is a premium low-ABV vodka ($33.99) from California native Jilly Hendrix. The brand often partners with charitable organizations such as the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) and their Leadership Council to direct a percentage of happy hour proceeds from local bars and restaurants to support the Center’s work to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles.
Founded by two longtime female friends with a passion for great wine, Juliet is the first sustainably packaged boxed wine. Deemed the Eco-Magnum™, it holds two standard bottles of wine in one chic, easy-to-carry holder and stays fresh for up to six weeks after opening ($45.99). The top-quality Central Coast California wines include a rose, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir that will be crowd-pleasers at any summer gathering.
BEAUTY AND SELF-CARE
With locations across the country from Los Angeles to Dallas to Chicago, Milk + Honey spa is the perfect option for gifting Mom a mini-retreat package. If you’re not in the same city for the big day, you can mail her a certificate for signature pampering options ranging from massages and mani-pedis to signature facials. Prices start at $45 for a manicure.
Fans of the Rapid Reduction Serum from Plexaderm hail its ability to minimize undereye baggage in about ten minutes. Made with silicate minerals from shale clay, the formula delivers a temporary tightening effect and comes in individual-size capsule portions that are easy to tuck into a carry-on bag or purse. Price is $119.90 or check out the Mother’s Day bundle with three Plexaderm products for $94.39.
Ghost Democracy is a clean, transparent skincare brand with a Boomerang Firming Eye Concentrate ($32) that’s formulated with the highest levels of eye-specific actives, including 1.0% caffeine and 0.6% pure hyaluronic acid. The result? Bright eyes even after a long flight or a night of jetlag.
If Mom is a Francophile but can’t make it to Paris anytime soon, gift her a luxe face and skin cream from one of the best Korean beauty brands. Challans de Paris formulations—packaged in handy travel-size tubes—help users achieve softer, more youthful-looking skin. The functional ingredients help with skin recovery and create a moisture barrier for increased elasticity—perfect for a long-haul flight when the time comes. Prices from $25.
Midnight Milk Better Aging Sleep Mask ($49) is a deeply hydrating overnight mask that helps restore moisture after a long-haul flight. Goat milk is rich in lactic acid, minerals, vitamins, and omega fatty acids, which can help hydrate skin. Peptides are on hand to stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, and treat skin damage overnight so you wake up refreshed no matter what time zone you’re in.
To help Mom keep a sun-kissed glow without the potential skin damage, Kiss My Face Self-Tanning Firming Mousse ($13.99) is a unique water-to-mousse formulation that develops into a streak-free, natural-looking tan. It’s also infused with antioxidants like vitamin C, plus red algae and nourishing shea butter. She might also love the Self-Tanning Drops that can be added to a favorite moisturizer for a healthy glow. Throw in the MyCHELLE Sun Shield Liquid SPF 30 ($23.99) for a flawless liquid tint with UVA/UVB protection.
WOMEN TRAVELING SOLO
Personal safety is self care, and if you want to gift Mom some peace of mind, SABRE makes high-quality security tools to empower people with a sense of preparedness for any scenario. From pepper sprays to personal alarms, these pocket-sized gadgets can attach to key rings and are great for women who travel solo, even if it’s just commuting to work, a nighttime outing or a hike in the woods. Prices start at $7.99.
“MOTHER’S MAY” IN NYC
If you want to splurge on a Mother’s Day getaway to the Big Apple, Herald Square boutique hotel Kixby is offering special rates all through the month of May. The “Mother’s May” staycation package is complete with luxuries including a Frette Kixby robe and Malin + Goetz skincare goodies (including sunscreen), a bottle of Champagne, a box of Leonidas gourmet chocolates, breakfast for two, and Susan Kaufman’s Walk With Me: New York, plus two bottles of water to take on your journey. Rates start at $390.